Liverpool fans made their voices heard ahead of their Champions League decider amid a large security operation in Rome.

Police and security forces provided a ring of steel around a loud contingent gathered in a bar in the centre of the Italian capital.

A similarly heavy presence is expected on Wednesday as thousands of fans are expected to travel for the crucial second leg semi-final match against AS Roma.

One police chief said around 1,200 officers would be deployed, and Carabinieri and city officers were seen stationed at major landmarks including the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon on Tuesday.

It comes after one fan said he had been attacked with a metal bar as he and a friend walked back to the hotel on Monday night.

Carl Johnson told the Liverpool Echo fans should travel in groups, and added neither of them had been wearing team colours and he suffered minor bruising.

The football club’s first leg 5-2 win over AS Roma last week was marred by an attack before the game which left supporter Sean Cox in a coma.

Liverpool fans have descended on Rome ahead of the club's Champions League semi-final (Steve Parsons/PA)

One of Roma’s most revered former players, Francesco Totti, has urged calm, saying: “The world is watching. We are Rome’s ambassadors and we carry a great responsibility both inside and outside Stadio Olimpico.”

Reds fans appeared relaxed and enjoyed a jovial atmosphere while watching Real Madrid qualify to be Liverpool’s potential opponents in the final.

Around 50 fans in a bar in the Campo de’ Fiori area belted out chant after chant in the square as locals and media gathered to film them, while other fans filled the restaurants nearby.

At one point the fans gatecrashed a live link by a presenter on Premium Sports as they revelled in the attention.

Liverpool fans in fine voice in Rome watching their potential next opponent. Around a dozen police have lined up in the square outside amid a large security presence. pic.twitter.com/MKrIxvi6uF